76 THE STEAM HOUSE.

form boats of light steel, When a river is met with, the
elephant marches straight into it, the train follows, and as
the animal's feet can be moved by paddle-wheels, the Steam
Hlwse moves gaily over the surface of the water. This is
an indescribable advantage for such a vast country as
India, where there are more rivers than bridges.
This was the train ordered by the capricious Rajah of
Bfyootan. But though the carriages were like pagodas on
the outside, Banks thought it best to furnish the interior,
to suit English tastes, with everything necessary for a long
journey, and in this he was very successful.
The width of the two carriages was not less than eigh-
teen feet; they therefore projected over the wheels, as the
axles were not more than fifteen. Being well hung on
splendid springs, any jolting would be as little felt as on a
well made railroad.
The first carriage was forty-five feet long. In front,
was an elegant verandah, in which a dozen people could
sit comfortably. Two windows and a door led into the
drawing-room, lighted besides by two side windows. This
room, furnished with a table and book-case, and having
luxurious divans all round it, was artistically decorated
and hung with rich tapestry. A thick Turkey carpet
covered the floor. " Tatties," or blinds, hung before the
windows, and were kept moistened with perfumed water,
so that a delightful freshness was constantly diffused